The Development of the Matrilineal Principle in Ezra,Jubilees,and Acts

Abstract

Most modern-day forms of Judaism determine a child's genealogical identity through the status of his/her mother. The shift from a patrilineal descent in the pre-exilic narratives of the Hebrew Bible to the matrilineal principle found in rabbinic literature has led to much speculation about its inception. Following the first exile, it is apparent that the status of mothers began to play a significant role in determining the national/ethnic identity of their children. This article explores three pre-Mishnaic texts which may testify to the early development of the matrilineal principle. First, it examines the expulsion narrative in Ezra 9.1–10.4, which recounts the removal of foreign women and their children, thereby apparently linking the status of children with their mothers. Second, it focuses on the Shechemite narrative in Jub. 30.1–26 and considers the incorporation of Molech language in the prohibition against intermarriage. In turn, this article proposes that the association between intermarriage and idolatry may be rooted in the presumption that Dinah's progeny would be Jewish, yet raised as idolaters. Finally, it argues that the author of Luke-Acts portrayed Timothy as Jewish (Acts 16.1–3) in light of his mother's status and thus was required to undergo circumcision.